Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
The Zimbabwe Independent Complaints Commission (ZICC) says it has moved beyond its formative stage and is now firmly focused on effective service delivery, underpinned by a strict regime of confidentiality designed to protect complainants and witnesses.
ZICC deputy executive secretary, Mr Tafara Chirambira, said the commission has made positive strides since becoming operational, building systems that meet international standards while strengthening accountability within the security sector.
“Since becoming operational, we have moved from establishment to effective delivery,” he said.
“We have built a fully functional Secretariat, developed robust complaint – handling procedures and established investigative systems that meet international standards.”
He added that the commission has prioritised constructive engagement with security institutions.
“Critically, we have forged strong working relationships with the security services themselves, relationships founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to professional conduct,” said Chirambira.
To date, the commission has processed approximately 60 complaints, with more than 80 percent finalised.
“I am pleased to note that over 80 percent of these matters have been finalised, a significant achievement for a young institution.
“More importantly, we are seeing a steady and encouraging increase in the number of complaints being lodged.
“This tells us that public awareness is growing and most significantly, that public trust in this commission is taking root.
“As we expand our footprint across the country, we expect this positive trajectory to continue.”
Mr Chirambira outlined a structured and law-guided operational framework that ensures fairness and precision in handling complaints.
“Our operations are guided by law, precision and fairness. Every complaint undergoes a structured process: jurisdictional screening, preliminary assessment and where warranted, a full formal investigation,” he said.
The investigative process includes gathering evidence, conducting interviews and engaging the relevant security institution.
“Our findings are accompanied by clear, actionable recommendations, and we monitor implementation to ensure that accountability is not just promised, but delivered.
“We take pride in a system that is thorough, impartial and respectful of both the complainant and the respondent.”
The most common complaints relate to alleged excessive force, unlawful detention, harassment, abuse of authority and corruption-related misconduct.
“These patterns are instructive-not only for our investigations but also for our broader mandate.
“They guide our systemic reform recommendations and help us engage security institutions proactively, so that we move beyond individual cases and address underlying institutional practices.”
Mr Chirambira said that through the commission’s interventions, a range of meaningful outcomes have been achieved, including disciplinary proceedings against errant officers, recommendations for prosecution where criminality is established and administrative corrective measures such as policy reviews or improved training protocols within specific units.
Chirambira emphasised that the protection of complainants and witnesses remains central to the commission’s mandate.
“We operate under a strict regime of confidentiality, with secure case management systems and strictly controlled information disclosure,” he said.
He noted that both the commission’s enabling legislation and the Constitution provide safeguards against victimisation or reprisals.
“We take any threat to a complainant or witness with the utmost seriousness,” he said. “A citizen should never have to fear seeking justice, and we are unwavering in our duty to uphold that principle.”
As the commission expands its footprint nationwide, Mr Chirambira expressed confidence that growing public trust and adherence to professional standards within the security sector will continue to define its trajectory.
